Thames Water plans to restart desalination plant – after drought has ended

Thames Water is preparing to restart the UK's only desalination plant, located in Beckton, east London, by the end of the year. The utility company aims to use the plant to build up reservoir supplies over the winter for the following summer. However, the plant is not expected to be operational until after the current drought has likely passed.

The desalination plant has a troubled history, having operated only five times since its construction. The estimated total cost for the facility has now reached £500 million. The decision to restart operations comes as the UK faces water scarcity, though the timing means it will not assist in the immediate drought conditions.

This move highlights the ongoing challenges in managing water resources in the face of changing climate patterns and increased demand. While the plant's operational readiness is planned for winter, its limited past usage and significant cost raise questions about its long-term effectiveness and economic viability as a drought mitigation tool.